Clark, Perdue & List's Blog

Can talking on a cell phone while walking alone on campus after dark provide protection? The Columbus Dispatch reports that an increasing number of students--especially females--are doing just that because it gives them a sense of security to know that they are connected to someone that could readily report an emergency, or at least be made aware of it. But police and college officials caution that talking on a cell phone can actually have the opposite effect by causing one to lose focus of the surroundings and making that person an easier target for mischief. In the event of a situation, the person on the other end might not know your exact location and would not be able to report the emergency as quickly as you could, they state.

According to Verizon Wireless, over 240,000 emergency calls are made from cell phones daily in this country. Still, experts believe that walking with a friend, group, or with the school's escort service and remaining alert and prepared for the worst is the best way to keep safe.

Schools are keenly aware that a campus can attract the most dangerous of persons and are implementing measures to minimize that risk . This year, for instance, Ohio Dominion University handed out safety whistles, and its future plans call for installing more blue-light emergency phones that have a direct connection to the college's security personnel. Officials offer the following safety tips:

• Do not walk alone when it’s dark. Instead, walk with a friend, a group, or use the school's student escort service.
  
• Stay in well-lighted, heavily traveled areas, walking close to the curb and avoiding alleys, doorways and bushes.
  
• Remain observant and aware of your surroundings and be wary of persons you do not know well.
  
• Alert campus security to suspicious people or activities.
  
• Carry a cell phone already programmed with emergency numbers, and if using it while walking, make a special effort not to become distracted from your surroundings.
  
• If you sense danger, use a blue-light emergency phone, if available. Otherwise, yell as loudly and as forcefully as you can.
  
• Use common sense and avoid risky situations.